Honors Tenth Grade World Literature and Composition
Ms. Guilford
Chapel Hill High School
2015-2016
Contact Information:
Room No.: E134
Email: andreas.guilford@douglas.k12.ga.us
Phone: (770)651-6336
Website: msguilfordsclassroom.weebly.com
Course Description:
Honors Tenth Grade World Literature and Composition is designed as preparation for Honors American
Literature or Advanced Placement Language and Composition (both offered in the eleventh grade). In this yearlong course focusing on a study of multicultural literature, the student develops an understanding of historical
context and the relevance of cultural philosophies that impact the diverse literary voices of the world. The
student develops an understanding of the cultures of origin of diverse writers and how it affects the meaning of
the literature produced. In addition to in-class assignments, students can expect readings and assignments
outside of school. Persuasive writing is the focus for tenth grade; by the end of tenth grade, the student will
demonstrate competency in persuasive writing. The student regularly progresses through the stages of the
writing process and writes coherent, focused texts that convey a well-defined perspective or tightly-reasoned
argument. When appropriate the texts contain introductions, supporting evidence, and conclusions, and the
student exhibits awareness of audience and purpose. More information about this course and its standards can
be found at https://www.georgiastandards.org/Georgia-Standards/Pages/ELA-9-12.aspx.
Nature of an Honors Course:
Honors experiences often involve some risk-taking on the part of both students and teachers because the
experiences are often more exploratory, experimental, and open-ended than the standard classroom experience.
In addition, they should be distinguished by a difference in the quality of the work expected, not merely an
increase in the quantity.
Honors courses will follow the same course of study as the corresponding regular course; however, they should
cover material in greater complexity and reflect a defensible differentiated curriculum. Honors courses extend
beyond the traditional curriculum in both breadth and depth of study, as well as provide problem-seeking and
problem-solving opportunities for students. Students may have to devote additional time and effort to Honors
work and, in turn, they will have greater opportunities for learning. Honors work should enable students to
become actively involved in the literature and content, learn about scholarly and creative processes by
participating in them, and personalize the learning experience through imagination, critical analysis, and
application. Honors students should learn to express and defend their ideas while attaining the distance
necessary to accept constructive criticism. Honors courses should incorporate opportunities for students to
become reflective thinkers who possess the potential to become an initiator of learning and accomplishment,
exploring areas of his/her interest within the designated course of study.
Textbook:
Prentice Hall Literature: Language and Literacy, Grade Ten.*
World Literature. Holt, Rinehart, and Winston.*
*Textbooks remain in the classroom at all times. If a student needs to check out a book due to absence or
ISS, s/he needs to use his or her student ID and check out a book from the Media Center. No classroom
books may be borrowed.
Course Outline:
Unit 1 – The Many Faces of the Hero
Writing Focus: Argumentative
Texts: Various myths, folktales, fairy tales, fables, and epics such as Epic of Gilgamesh, Homer’s The
Iliad and Dante’s Inferno
Unit 2 – Heroes, Villains, and Underdogs in Literature
Writing Focus: Explanatory
Texts: Sophocles’ Oedipus and Antigone, as well as Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Julius Caesar
Unit 3 – Human Rights Around the World: Symbols of Alienation
Writing Focus: Explanatory (Research)
Texts: Wiesel’s Night and various Holocaust short stories and poetry
Unit 4 – Moral Courage and Endurance: A Necessity for Change
Writing Focus: Argumentative
Texts: Paton’s Cry, the Beloved Country, Cry Freedom and various short stories and excerpts
Grading Scale:
100-90 A
89-80 B
79-71 C
70
D
69-0 F
Evaluation:
Grades will be assessed in the following way:
Class work, homework, quizzes and small projects
Tests, essays, major projects, and CDAs
Quizzes
Summer Reading
Final Exam/SLO
25%
35%
10%
10%
20%
Make-up/Late Work Policy:
Student attendance is vital to the learning experience of all those involved in the learning environment.
Therefore, students are expected to try their best to ensure perfect attendance, and arrive to class on time and
prepared to learn. However, it is understood that sometimes students will have circumstances or events that
prevent them from attending class. Students that miss class are expected to communicate absences with the
instructor, and make-up all missed homework/classwork. Missed assignments are due within 3 days of your
return to class; quizzes/tests must be made up within 1 week. Please see me immediately after your return to
school to receive all notes and assignments.
English Notebook:
Students are expected to have a notebook (spiral or 3 ring binder) for this class with them every day. This
notebook should only contain English work. The notebook should include a section for each of the following:
warm up activities, notes/handouts, classwork/homework, and project/essay instructions.
Suggested Materials:
English Notebook
Pens and pencils
Paper
Colored markers
Crayons
Highlighters
Post-it notes
USB flash drive
Class Discussion and Participation: This course will greatly center on formal and informal class discussions and
presentations. All students are expected to participate in class activities and discussions, and contribute to the learning
environment. Students are also expected to communicate clearly, persuasively, respectfully, and academically.
Classroom Expectations: Students are expected to be respectful towards classmates, instructors, and the
classroom environment. Behavioral expectations and consequences follow those outlined in the CHHS Student
Handbook. No phones or electronic devices may be on or visible. Any food or beverages, excluding water,
are not allowed.
Hall Passes: Passes to the bathroom or for other emergencies must be kept to a minimum. Passes will not
written to get food, go to lockers, or conduct any other business that will interrupt class time. If a student gets
permission to leave, the student will need to fill out the pass with his or her name, date, time, and destination for
me to sign. During class discussions and whole group instruction are not appropriate times to ask for permission
to leave the classroom. If you decide to abuse these privileges, they will be revoked.
How to be Successful:
 Read when assigned to read. Be sure to thoroughly read through all assignments and literature to ensure
your understanding.
 Take notes as you read. Write down things that are relevant to your experience as a reader, and things that
pertain to class. Also write down any questions that you have while reading, and make notes that will help
you comprehend a text.
 Take notes in class. Anything that is repeated, written on the board, or included in a PowerPoint should be
in your notes.
 Do not procrastinate. Be punctual in completing your assignments. Procrastination will hinder your
success in this class.
 Ask for my help! I am here to help you succeed. If you need assistance or do not understand something,
please do not hesitate to ask questions!
 Do not cheat. The penalties and consequences of cheating are not worth the risk. Again, I am here to help
you. It is better to ask for help, and allow us to develop a plan for your success in this class rather than to try
to succeed by cheating.
I reserve the right to amend any part of this syllabus if deemed necessary. Any changes will be
announced.
SYLLABUS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Teacher: Ms. Guilford
Course: Honors World Literature
Dear Parent and Student,
Please read the class syllabus and complete the contact information below. If both
parent and student have read and understand the grading policy and expectations, sign
below.
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*YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO ALL GRADES ON INFINITE CAMPUS (see main office to sign-up).